2019 Habitat Challenge Edger Toolkit

2019 EDGER TOOL KIT

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Habitat Challenge - Edger Tool Kit

Welcome!

Thank you for registering for the Habitat Challenge. Some might call your participation in this daring event “crazy” but here at Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity, we know our Edgers are not only brave but compassionate.

As the housing market tightens and rental rates climb, it is increasingly difficult for working families to maintain stable homes as renters. In fact, there is virtually nowhere in the US where a person working full-time at minimum wage can afford to rent even a one-bedroom apartment. Here in Tacoma, the average 2 bedroom apartment is $1,385/month and home purchase prices have climbed 12.2% in the last year, with values predicted to increase another 10.5% in 2019.

Behind these numbers are hardworking families who are too often making difficult choices between paying rent or providing groceries and healthcare. Every month increasing rents force another family out and, with every move, children change schools and fall an estimated 3-6 months behind their peers from more stable living conditions.

By going over the edge for affordable housing in our community, you make a difference. You help provide stability for a family; give a child her own bedroom; and provide a parent access to an affordable mortgage, easing the worry about keeping a roof over the family’s head. And we can’t thank you enough.

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Contents

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About the Challenge Steps to Success About Habitat About Over the Edge Fundraising Help Sample Email How to Raise your $1,000 Housekeeping

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Habitat Challenge - Edger Tool Kit

About the Habitat Challenge Few events present this kind of thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for individuals to raise awareness and support for a great cause.

The Habitat Challenge is just that - a fundraising event that allows supporters to rappel down a 245-foot building in a completely safe outdoor environment - all while helping our local community.

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Habitat Challenge - Edger Tool Kit

EDGER SUPPORT CONTACT

BETH BROOKS - ANNUAL FUND MANAGER 253.627.5626 EXT. 130 BBROOKS@TPC-HABITAT.ORG

13 27 75 MIN AGE TO RAPPEL

DATE IN SEPT. FOR EVENT

INDIVIDUAL RAPPEL SLOTS AVAILABLE

100-300 WEIGHT RANGE IN ORDER TO RAPPEL

245 1,000 HEIGHT (IN FEET) OF HOTEL MURANO

MIN. FUNDRAISING AMOUNT TO MAKE IT TO THE ROOF

84 343k

OLDEST EDGER TO RAPPEL WITH US

DOLLARS RAISED

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Challenge Accepted!

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... Now what?

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Habitat Challenge - Edger Tool Kit

Step 1: Get set up.

Be sure you’re signed up and have set up your fundraising page. You can add both a profile photo and a “cover” photo to your page, as well as customize the text. Share why you’re going over the edge and make your page an exciting/moving/inspiring place for your supporters to visit.

Step 2: Start fundraising!

Let everyone in your network know you’re going over the edge in September and you need their help. Remember, registration alone does not guarantee you a rappelling spot. You need to either complete, sign, and return the Edger Guarantee Form OR be one of the first 75 Edgers to raise $1,000.

Step 3: Get social.

If you’re active on social media, upload a selfie or short video letting people know why you’re doing the Habitat Challenge. While you’re at it, challenge a buddy to go down with you. Whatever you’re sharing about the event on social channels, don’t forget to tag us (@TacomaHabitat), use the hashtags #habitatchallenge and #overtheedge, and always provide a link to your fundraising page.

Step 4: Don’t be shy!

Repetition is key to fundraising… don’t be afraid to remind people that you’re counting on them to help you get to the roof. Contact everyone and anyone you know to support your fundraising efforts. Our partners at Over the Edge host a montlhy webinar with fundraising tips: check it out!

Step 5: Have fun!

Don’t fear fundraising. Look at it as a way to bring awareness of the everyday struggles that our neighbors are facing. Set a challenging fundraising goal for yourself, try to get others involved, and make it even more fun by competing with friends and family to see who can raise the most and make the greatest impact! When the big day comes, be sure to gather family and friends to watch you take the Habitat Challenge.

Take time to enjoy the view of Tacoma from 24 stories up and remember the good work you did to get there. Don’t forget to post a photo after your event to your social media channels to show your supporters how you conquered the Habitat Challenge.

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Habitat Challenge - Edger Tool Kit

Let’s talk about Habitat

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Habitat Challenge - Edger Tool Kit

There are many reasons to take the Habitat Challenge. Some do it to conquer fears, others to mark a milestone, and others just to say they’ve done something super cool. No matter your reasoning, we hope that you’re also proud/excited/pumped to take action in the name of affordable housing and to support Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity.

When you reach out to your network about the Habitat Challenge, here’s some info you can share about Habitat for Humanity and our work in the community.

Our Mission: With God’s grace and the cooperation of people from all walks of life, Tacoma/ Pierce County Habitat for Humanity partners with families in need to build and own simple, decent, affordable homes in safe communities.

Who we serve: Individuals and families in Pierce County with income between 30 –80% of the local median family income.

Habitat homeowners are selected on 3 criteria: need for housing, ability to pay for the home, and willingness to partner with Habitat.

How much does the average Habitat home cost?

Approximately $130,000 - $240,000 dependent on location and floorplan. Construction costs vary project to project.

Do Habitat families purchase the homes?

Yes, with an affordable mortgage and down payment assistance. After selection into our program, families also contribute a minimum of 200 hours of “sweat equity” working on their own home and the homes of others.

Who builds Habitat homes?

Habitat homes are built almost entirely with volunteer labor from the local community, in partnership with Habitat buyers.

How is Habitat funded?

Habitat has a diverse funding base, largely dependent on the community’s support. In addition to donations from individuals, businesses, faith communities, and civic groups, Habitat also receives grant funding from both government entities and private foundations. Revenues from our three Habitat Stores (Tacoma, Lakewood, and Puyallup) support our mission, as do donated materials from local vendors.

Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity is an independent, local affiliate of the international organization, Habitat for Humanity International. Since 1985, Tacoma/ Pierce County Habitat for Humanity has been helping families break the cycle of generational poverty through affordable homeownership opportunities.

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& let’s not forget about our partners

over the edge

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Habitat Challenge - Edger Tool Kit

Over The Edge is an international adventure experience company that provides signature events for non-profit organizations. Business leaders, individuals, and community members are invited to raise donations in exchange for the experience of going Over The Edge of a local building. Over The Edge has raised over $80 million for non-profits around the world.

The Over The Edge event team of experts are certified professionals who provide all the necessary technical expertise, training, and equipment needed to assist Edgers the entire way down.

Mission: Raising millions for non-profit partners around the globe and shaping how organizations and people think about themselves and the community they engage in.

OTE’s Role: Over the Edge’s technical team flies in days before the Habitat Challenge to inspect their gear (shipped in) and rig the building. On the day of your rappel, you will be under the care of our assigned Over the Edge technical team. Our lead tech, Aaron, has been with the Habitat Challenge since the beginning (2016) and knows the Hotel Murano’s structure well. He’s also a Washington native and understands our weather. Once you get into the Staging Area, OTE staff will outfit you with your harness and safety gear. Then you will receive instruction from OTE staff. Finally, you will venture to the roof where the OTE staff will prepare you to step over the roof’s ledge and rappel to the Landing Zone.

900+

SUCCESSFUL EVENTS

64,000+

SUCCESSFUL EDGERS

360+ 14 BUILDINGS

YEAR SAFETY RECORD

SAFETY BY THE NUMBERS

Safety: All Over The Edge (OTE) event technical staff are highly trained and are certified industrial ropes specialists. Each event site has a comprehensive Site Inspection & Safety Plan prepared by one of OTE’s senior technical staff, and if every potential risk cannot be mitigated, the site will simply not be approved by our Director of Technical and Safety. Bottom line: your safety comes before everything else.

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fundraising help You’ve registered for the Habitat Challenge and have the date circled on your calendar, but to earn your spot on the ropes, you have to raise at least $1,000.

The following are some tips and tricks to help you make it happen.

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Habitat Challenge - Edger Tool Kit

The most effective way to secure donations is to ask people personally. If you can, tell people about your commitment to the Habitat Challenge in person or by phone.

Always follow up! People will appreciate the reminder. (We promise.)

Include fun facts and updates on how close you are to reaching your goal.

Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Keep in mind that visuals (photos and videos) will more easily catch the eye of your followers. You can make a meme of yourself with a “rappel face” and tag your friends to get them to donate. Be sure to tag friends and followers again in a separate thank you post once they’ve donated.

Send a thank you letter, note, or message to every single one of your donors.

Every. Single. One.

Know your facts. Familiarize yourself with Habitat for Humanity so you can talk about the cause and answer questions from your donors.

If you’re feeling unsure, let us know and we’re happy to help give you some more info so you can be a confident ambassador.

examples

to help you succeed Ask for a bite-size gift that holds meaning for you or the event.

Examples: • Ask 26 people for a gift of $38.47 each. The Hotel Murano has 26 floors, and $38.47 x 26 will get you to your $1,000 minimum.

• Ask your network to pledge based on the height of the building. The distance between the rooftop and the ground is 245 feet; that’s $4.08 per foot.

• If you’re celebrating a milestone birthday this year, ask your friends to each pledge a dollar per year of your age.

Matching gifts: Many companies match their employees’ charitable donations. Be sure to let your donors know that they can double their donation by asking their boss or HR department if their company has a matching program.

If your company has a newsletter, blog, or other publication, ask if they will feature you and your Habitat Challenge journey.

Don’t forget to include the link to your fundraising page!

Add the Habitat Challenge and/or a link to your fundraising page to your email signature. You never know which of your clients, vendors, or colleagues will click through and donate.

Consider offering perks or incentives for people to donate to you.

• For a $5 donation, I’ll send you a funny joke; For $25, I’ll send you my favorite 3 cat videos; For $50, I’ll draw a picture of us; For $100, I’ll make you dinner, etc.

• Whoever donates the most gets to pick the costume I wear to rappel.

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Steal this email > The next best thing to a face to face ask is a personal email. Here’s a template.

Feel free to edit as you’d like based on the individual relationship you have with the person.

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Habitat Challenge - Edger Tool Kit

Dear [Name], Have you ever wanted to throw me off a building? Here’s your chance!

I am signed up for the Habitat Challenge, an event where I will stand on the roof of the Hotel Murno in downtown Tacoma and rappel 245 feet to the ground! I’m not making this up…check out the event website tpc-habitat.salsalabs.org/2019habitatchallenge.

But before I can rappel, I need your help to raise $1,000 for Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity. Habitat is an amazing local nonprofit organization that helps families build stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. You can learn about them at www.tpc-habitat.org.

When I reach my fundraising goal, I will secure my spot to rappel. The big event is happening on Friday, September 27 but I’m in a race to $1,000 as spots are limited.

Will you take a minute to support me and make a donation right now on my personal fundraising page: [insert personal link]? Every dollar counts! You can also mail a check to Habitat; just be sure to include my name when you do so your donation counts toward my goal. (4824 S Tacoma Way Tacoma, WA 98409) If you can’t donate, I still need your help! Will you share my fundraising page through your social networks? Maybe some of your friends and followers will help the cause.

You can also join me in this crazy adventure! Register ASAP at tpc-habitat.salsalabs.org/2019habitatchallenge and we’ll go down together.

Thanks in advance for helping me get to the roof and supporting Habitat for Humanity. I hope you’ll come watch me go over the edge for Habitat in September!

Sincerely, [Your Name]

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Habitat Challenge - Edger Tool Kit

Ask Everyone And we mean EVERYone!

The key to building a successful fundraising campaign is asking the right people for support. Think about everyone you know. It doesn’t necessarily have to be people you are very close with–businesses you frequent may be interested in supporting you!

Parents/Grandparents Children/Grandchildren Aunts/Uncles/Cousins In-Laws Friends Coworkers Boss High School Friends College Friends Teachers/Professors Community/Social Club Colleagues Religious Organization

Fraternity/Sorority Kids’ Friends’ Parents Children’s Sports Teams Child’s School/Teachers Vendors/Suppliers Neighbors Lawyer/Attorney Accountant Babysitter Bartender Doctor Dentist/Orthodontist Coach

Financial Planner Chiropractor Fitness Instructor Electrician Plumber Music Teacher Frequented Restaurant Favorite Businesses Bank Teller Child Care Provider Country Club Supermarket Therapist

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how to:

raise $1,000 in 10 days

Day 1 : Self-Donation Raised: $50

Your registration fee counts as a self-donation and shows you’ve put your money here your mouth is.

Total: $50

Day 2 : Closest Matches Raised: $150

Ask 3 of your closest relationships to match your donation.

Total: $200

Day 3: We Are Family Raised: $150

Reach out to 6 family members and ask them to donate $25 each.

Total: $350

Day 4: Friends Forever Raised: $200

Ask 10 friends to each make a $20 donation..

Day 5: Get Social Raised: $400

Post your link on social media. Estimate 10 people will donate $10.

Day 6: Ask Your Boss Raised: $50

Ask your boss for a company contribution of $50.

Total: $550 Total: $650 Total: $700

Day 7: Coworker Comrodary Ask 5 coworkers to sponsor you at $10 each Raised: $50

Total: $750

Day 8: Dress Down Day Raised: $25

Total: $775

Ask your company if you can accept donations in exchange for a dress down day at work.

Charge at least 5 colleagues $5 to participate!

Day 9: Business Partners Ask 4 businesses that you work with or frequent to sponsor you with $50 Raised: $200

Total: $975

Day 10: Community Support Ask 5 neighbors, people on your sports team, book club, place of worship, etc. to Raised: $25

Total: $1,000

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Habitat Challenge - Edger Tool Kit

Throw a party.

CHARGE FOR THE FUN!

If the thought of asking for money directly makes you queasy, try hosting a fundraising event. Fundraisers are really just excuses to host a party.

Think of something that you and your friends and/or family enjoy, and make it a benefit to help you reach your Habitat Challenge goal.

Here are a bunch of different event ideas. Not everything will appeal to you, but find something that works for you and your network.

General party Raffle or auction Bake sale Garage sale Pub crawl Mystery wine pull Karaoke night Yoga/Zumba/etc. class Wine & cheese party Lemonade stand

Candy sales Bingo night Game night Craft sale Pancake breakfast Bowling tournament Dinner party Sports tournament Dog wash Car wash

Fashion show Movie night Cook off Babysitting by donation Pizza party Poker tournament Dodgeball tournament Trivia party Pool party Designated driver

Things to consider before you start: 1. Start planning early.

2. How will you promote your event?

3. Use social media to spread the word quickly/cheaply.

4. Send out reminders.

5. Encourage invitees to bring guests.

6. Decide if you’ll charge a flat rate or ask for a suggested donation.

7. Include an auction or raffle element to your event to increase donations.

8. Pass around a jar and ask people to donate their change.

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Habitat Challenge - Edger Tool Kit

a few housekeeping items...

• Please do not use a Facebook fundraiser for the Habitat Challenge. Facebook will ask you about it, but just say no. Here’s why: It takes between 60-90 days for the funds to arrive at Habitat and when the money arrives, it’s just money. There isn’t any donor information (so we can’t thank your supporters) and there is no way to know which Edger gets credit for the money. The bottom line is: if you use Facebook to collect donations for the Habitat Challenge, those funds will not be added to your fundraising total and that money will not help you get to the roof.

• However, donations made online from your personal page will automatically be credited to your total and results will show in real time.

• Any donations you receive by check need to be sent to the Habitat office as soon as possible.

When we receive your check(s), our team will update your online fundraising total, send your donor a tax receipt, and your donor will be able to balance their checkbook. Checks must be payable to “Habitat for Humanity” and have [Your Name] in the memo. Checks can be mailed to: 4824 S Tacoma Way Tacoma, WA 98409.

• Cash donations must be delivered to our office. Do not mail cash.

• If you’d like to schedule your rappel time and lock in your spot for the Habitat Challenge, complete and return the Edger Guarantee Form, which can be found here. We won’t charge you until the fundraising window closes.

• Be sure your fan base is ready to bring it on 9/27! Invite your friends, family and supporters to the big event. There will be a festival atmosphere in the Landing Zone and you will appreciate their cheers of encouragement.

• Deadlines to keep in mind: • Aug. 23: Guarantee forms are due to finalize your rappel spot, unless you’ve reached $1,000 • Sept. 1: Last chance to update/change your shirt size • Sept. 13: Bios and decent songs are due – if you want your jam playing while you rappel and our emcee to tell the crowd about you, get your info in!

tpc-habitat.org

@tacomahabitat